JP7345977B2 - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device and a printing method.

Conventionally, inkjet printers, which are printing devices that perform printing using an inkjet method, have been widely used. Furthermore, in recent years, as a printing method performed by an inkjet printer, forming an unevenly raised shape on a medium has been considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP2016-43618A

In an inkjet printer, ink is ejected onto a medium using an inkjet head that ejects a small volume of ink (ink droplets) using an inkjet head method. In this case, in order to form a raised shape on a medium using an inkjet head, it is usually necessary to form a large number of ink layers in a stacked manner. Therefore, conventionally, forming a plurality of ink layers has caused a problem that the time required for the printing operation becomes longer. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing device and a printing method that can solve the above problems.

The inventor of the present application has conducted extensive research into ways to shorten the time required for printing when forming a raised shape (laminated ink area) on a medium by stacking multiple layers of ink. went. We also considered forming the laminated ink area in a shorter time by using a plurality of inkjet heads.

More specifically, in conventional methods, when a laminated ink area is formed on a medium by an inkjet head, the laminated ink area is usually formed by overlapping layers of ink of one predetermined color, such as clear color or white. was forming. With this configuration, the laminated ink area on the medium can be appropriately formed using ink that is less likely to affect an image drawn thereon with color ink, for example.

In contrast, the inventor of the present application considered forming a laminated ink area in a shorter time by using inks of multiple colors instead of using only one color of ink. In addition, in this case, for example, if a dedicated inkjet head for forming the laminated ink area is used for a plurality of inkjet heads that eject ink of multiple colors used for forming the laminated ink area, the formation of the laminated ink area can be shortened. To do this, the cost will increase significantly. Therefore, through further intensive research, the inventor of the present application considered using a plurality of inkjet heads for color printing, which are used when drawing images, to also form laminated ink areas. With this configuration, for example, the laminated ink area can be appropriately formed in a shorter time without excessively increasing the number of inkjet heads used. Moreover, this makes it possible to appropriately prevent, for example, the time required for the printing operation from increasing.

However, in this case, if an image is drawn directly with color ink on a colored area formed by inks of multiple colors, it becomes difficult to properly view the image due to the influence of the color of the colored area. Therefore, the inventor of the present application considered forming a layer of light-reflective ink, such as white, on the colored area to hide the color of the colored area thereon. With this configuration, by drawing an image with color ink on the layer of light-reflective ink, it becomes possible to visually recognize the image more appropriately.

However, the inventor of the present application has actually confirmed through various experiments, etc. that even with this configuration, the position of the outer edge of the colored area and the position of the outer edge of the light-reflective ink layer are Due to the misalignment between the reflective ink layers, the colored areas may not be sufficiently covered by the reflective ink layer. In this case, the colors in the colored areas become conspicuous when the image is visually recognized, which may reduce the quality of printing.

On the other hand, through further intensive research, the inventors of the present application discovered that, instead of forming a layer of light-reflective ink only on the top of the laminated ink area, multiple It has been found that by forming a light-reflective ink layer as part of the ink layer, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the influence of colored areas in the laminated ink area.

In addition, the inventor of the present application further conducted extensive research and discovered the features necessary to obtain such effects, leading to the present invention. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a printing device that prints on a medium using an inkjet method, and includes a plurality of inkjet heads each ejecting ink of a different color. a light-reflective ink head that is an inkjet head that ejects light-reflective ink, and a control unit that controls operations of the plurality of color ink heads and the light-reflective ink head, the control unit is a laminated ink area, which is an area where a plurality of ink layers overlap on the medium, and an image area, which is an area where an image is drawn by the plurality of color ink heads on the laminated ink area, on the medium. are formed in the plurality of color ink heads and the light reflective ink head, and the laminated ink area is formed by causing at least two inkjet heads of the plurality of color ink heads to eject ink. The area includes a plurality of colored areas that are formed and a plurality of light reflective areas that are areas that are formed on the colored area using the light reflective ink, and the control unit forming a plurality of the colored regions and a plurality of the light reflection regions in the plurality of color ink heads and the light reflection ink head so that the colored regions overlap at least with the light reflection region in between; Features.

With this configuration, for example, by using a plurality of inkjet heads when forming a colored area that constitutes a part of the laminated ink area, it is possible to appropriately shorten the time required to form the laminated ink area. Moreover, in this case, by forming colored regions with a plurality of color ink heads, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of inkjet heads included in the printing apparatus. Furthermore, in this case, by forming a plurality of colored regions with a light reflective region sandwiched between them, the colored region can be more appropriately covered by the light reflective region. Further, this makes it possible to appropriately prevent, for example, the influence of the color of the colored area from occurring when viewing the image in the image area. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, when forming a raised shape on a medium by stacking a plurality of ink layers, it is possible to appropriately prevent the time required for the printing operation from increasing. I can do it.

Here, in this configuration, each of the plurality of color ink heads discharges ink of each of a plurality of colors used as basic colors for color printing, for example. In addition, in this configuration, the printing device performs a main scanning operation in which ink is ejected while moving relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction, using a plurality of color ink heads and a light reflective ink head, for example. The image forming apparatus further includes a main scanning drive section that causes the main scanning to be performed. In this case, in the main scanning operation performed to form the colored area, the control unit may eject ink once from at least two inkjet heads of the plurality of color ink heads, for example. The total amount of ink ejected during the main scanning operation is set to be larger than when performing the main scanning operation using only one inkjet head. With this configuration, for example, the time required to form the laminated ink region can be appropriately shortened.

In this configuration, the printing device includes a plurality of color ink heads, such as an inkjet head that ejects yellow ink, an inkjet head that ejects magenta ink, and an inkjet head that ejects cyan ink. and an inkjet head that ejects black ink. With this configuration, for example, an image area expressing a color image can be appropriately formed. Further, in this case, when forming the colored area, the control unit causes four inkjet heads each of which ejects ink of at least each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black to eject ink, for example. With this configuration, for example, the time required to form the laminated ink area can be more appropriately shortened.

Further, in this configuration, it is also possible to form an area other than the light reflective area and the colored area as an area constituting the laminated ink area. More specifically, in this case, the colored area in the laminated ink area is, for example, an area that is uniformly colored with a mixture of ink colors of multiple colors, unlike an image drawn in an image area. etc. can be considered. In this case, in addition to the colored area, it is conceivable to further form a colored area, which is an area colored in a color matching the image drawn in the image area. In this case, the control unit may, for example, cause the plurality of color ink heads to color a colored area on at least part of the light reflection area in the laminated ink area with a color matching the image drawn in the image area. Let it form. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the influence of the color of the colored area from occurring when viewing the image in the image area.

Further, in this case, for example, it is conceivable to form colored regions on all the light reflective regions other than the top light reflective region. In this case, by forming a light reflection area and a colored area on each colored area, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the influence of the color of the colored area from occurring. Furthermore, in this case, it is conceivable to form an image area above the topmost light-reflecting area.

Furthermore, when a plurality of color ink heads and light reflective ink heads are caused to perform a main scanning operation, at least two inkjet heads used for forming a colored area are positioned at positions in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main-scanning direction, for example. are aligned and arranged side by side in the main scanning direction. With this configuration, for example, a colored area can be appropriately formed using a plurality of inkjet heads. More specifically, when forming a colored area using four inkjet heads that each eject yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color ink, the secondary It is preferable to align the positions in the scanning direction and arrange them side by side in the main scanning direction.

In this configuration, the printing device further includes a sub-scanning drive unit that causes the plurality of color ink heads and light reflective ink heads to perform a sub-scanning operation of moving relative to the medium in the sub-scanning direction, for example. Be prepared. In this case, the light-reflecting ink head is disposed at a position shifted in the sub-scanning direction from, for example, at least two inkjet heads used for forming colored regions. Being arranged with shifted positions in the sub-scanning direction means, for example, being arranged so that the positions in the sub-scanning direction do not overlap. The light-reflecting ink head is disposed, for example, at a position adjacent to at least two inkjet heads used for forming colored areas in the sub-scanning direction. Further, in this case, the control section controls the main scanning drive section and the sub-scanning drive section so that, for example, the main scanning operation is repeatedly performed with a sub-scanning operation in between. In addition, with this, for example, the control unit controls the plurality of colored regions and the plurality of light reflection regions so that the plurality of colored regions and the plurality of light reflection regions overlap each other with at least a light reflection region in between. Form into the head. With this configuration, for example, a laminated ink area having a colored area and a light reflective area can be appropriately formed.

Furthermore, when a plurality of ink layers are stacked and formed using an inkjet head, for example, the outer edge of the ink layer tends to have a raised shape compared to other parts. In particular, when a large amount of ink is ejected using a plurality of inkjet heads, such as when forming a colored area in a laminated ink area, such a raised shape is likely to be formed. In this case, if the swelling is significant, it may cause a position shift between the outer edge of the colored area and the outer edge of the light reflective area. On the other hand, in order to reduce the effect of the raised outer edge, for example, regarding how multiple ink layers overlap in the laminated ink area, the area where the upper ink layer is formed must be It is also conceivable to make the area smaller than the area in which the layer is formed. In this case, when forming the laminated ink area, the control unit may, for example, control whether the lower ink layer is formed in a range in which at least some of the plurality of ink layers forming the laminated ink area are formed. Set it so that it is smaller than the current range. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately reduce the influence of the outer edge of the ink layer having a raised shape. Further, in this case, for example, the positions of the outer edges of the respective ink layers are shifted so that the raised portions no longer overlap, so that, for example, the texture of the side surface portions can be improved.

Further, in this case, it is preferable that the laminated ink region is formed so that the edge thereof has a stepped shape, for example. For example, the step-like edge means that the position of the outer edge of each ink layer constituting the laminated ink area gradually changes inward from the lower layer to the upper layer. . In this case, for example, it is conceivable to change the position of the outer edge every time a predetermined number of ink layers are formed.

Further, as a configuration of the present invention, it is also possible to use a printing method or the like having characteristics similar to those described above. Also in this case, for example, the same effects as above can be obtained.

According to the present invention, for example, when a raised shape is formed on a medium by stacking a plurality of ink layers, it is possible to appropriately prevent the time required for printing from increasing.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of main parts of the printing device 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 1B shows an example of the configuration of the head unit 12 in the printing apparatus 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a reference example of a printed matter. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating in more detail the printed matter created in this example. FIG. 3(a) shows an example of the structure of a printed matter. FIG. 3(b) shows a modified example of printed matter created using the printing apparatus 10. It is a figure which shows the further modification of a printed matter. FIG. 4(a) shows the structure of the ink layer formed on the medium 50 in this modification. FIG. 4(b) shows the configuration of the ink layer formed on the medium 50 in a further variation of the printed matter. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a range in which a color layer 306 is formed. FIG. 5(a) shows the configuration of the ink layer formed on the medium 50 in a further variation of the printed matter. FIG. 5B shows an example of a range in which an ink layer is formed when forming the laminated ink region 300 and the color layer 306. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the shape of a laminated ink region 300 in more detail. FIG. 6A shows an example of a laminated ink region 300 having a shape that varies in height depending on the position when a white layer 304 and a color layer 308 are formed between the quaternary color regions 302. FIG. 6B shows an example of a laminated ink region 300 having a shape that varies in height depending on the position when only the white layer 304 is formed between the quaternary color regions 302.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of main parts of the printing device 10. As shown in FIG. Additionally, except as described below, printing device 10 may have the same or similar features as known printing devices. For example, the printing device 10 may further include the same or similar configuration of a known printing device in addition to the configuration of the main parts shown in FIG.

In this example, the printing device 10 is an inkjet printer that prints on a printing target medium 50 using an inkjet method. Further, the printing device 10 forms a raised shape on the medium 50 by ejecting ink onto the medium 50 and forming a plurality of ink layers one on top of the other. In this case, forming the raised shape on the medium 50 can also be considered as forming a three-dimensional shape on the medium 50, for example. Further, the operation of the printing device 10 can be considered as, for example, an operation of forming an unevenly raised shape on the medium 50, an operation of performing 2.5D (2.5-dimensional) printing, and the like. In addition, in order to perform such a printing operation, the printing device 10 includes a head section 12, a stand section 14, a main scanning drive section 16, a sub-scanning drive section 18, a stacking direction drive section 20, and a control section 30. .

The head unit 12 is configured to eject ink onto the medium 50. The characteristics of the head section 12 will be explained in more detail later. The platform section 14 is a platform-shaped member that holds the medium 50 facing the head section 12 . In this example, the platform 14 holds the medium 50 by placing the medium 50 on its upper surface. The main scanning drive unit 16 is a drive unit that causes the inkjet head in the head unit 12 to perform a main scanning operation. The sub-scanning drive unit 18 is a drive unit that causes the inkjet head in the head unit 12 to perform a sub-scanning operation. In this case, the main scanning operation is an operation of ejecting ink while moving relative to the medium 50 in a preset main scanning direction. The sub-scanning operation is an operation of moving relative to the medium 50 in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. In this example, the main scanning direction is a direction parallel to the Y direction shown in the figure. The sub-scanning direction is a direction (X direction) orthogonal to the Y direction and the stacking direction (Z direction), which will be explained below.

The stacking direction drive unit 20 is a drive unit that moves the head unit 12 relative to the medium 50 in the stacking direction in which ink layers are stacked on the medium 50. Further, in this example, the stacking direction is a direction parallel to the vertical direction and orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction. The stacking direction driving unit 20 moves the head unit 12 relative to the medium 50 by changing the height of the platform 14 according to the thickness of the ink layer stacked on the medium 50, for example. .

More specifically, in the operation of forming a plurality of ink layers on the medium 50, the lamination direction driving unit 20, for example, moves the head unit 12 every time a preset number of ink layers are formed. The platform 14 is moved in the direction away from the. With this configuration, for example, the distance between the ink layer being formed and the inkjet head in the head section 12 can be maintained within a certain range. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the medium 50 and the head unit 12 may be set, for example, in accordance with the height of the ink layer to be finally laminated. In this case, for example, before starting the printing operation, the position of the platform 14 in the stacking direction is adjusted in accordance with the height of the finally stacked ink layer. With this configuration, for example, the height of the platform 14 is not changed during the printing operation, thereby making it possible to speed up the printing operation.

The control unit 30 is a part that includes, for example, a CPU of the printing apparatus 10, and controls the operation of each part of the printing apparatus 10. According to this example, for example, it is possible to cause the printing device 10 to appropriately perform a printing operation. Moreover, thereby, for example, a raised shape can be appropriately formed on the medium 50 by forming a plurality of layers of ink on the medium 50.

Next, the features of the head section 12 in this example will be explained in more detail. FIG. 1B shows an example of the configuration of the head section 12 in the printing apparatus 10. In this example, the head unit 12 includes a plurality of inkjet heads 102 that eject ink of different colors and a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 104. As shown in FIG. 1B, the plurality of inkjet heads 102 include an inkjet head 102y, an inkjet head 102m, an inkjet head 102c, an inkjet head 102k (hereinafter referred to as inkjet heads 102y to 102k), and an inkjet head 102w. have In this case, the inkjet head 102y discharges yellow (Y color) ink. The inkjet head 102m discharges magenta (M color) ink. The inkjet head 102c discharges cyan (C color) ink. The inkjet head 102k discharges black (K) ink. Further, the inkjet head 102w discharges white (white, W color) ink.

In this case, various colors can be expressed appropriately by using yellow, magenta, cyan, and black inks. Further, in this example, the inkjet heads 102y to 102k are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction with their positions aligned in the sub-scanning direction, as shown in the figure. Further, the inkjet heads 102y to 102k are an example of a plurality of color ink heads that each eject ink of a different color. Yellow, magenta, cyan, and black inks are examples of process colors that are basic colors for color printing.

Further, the inkjet head 102w is arranged at a position adjacent to the inkjet heads 102y to 102k in the subscanning direction so that the position in the subscanning direction is shifted so that the position in the subscanning direction does not overlap with the inkjet head 102y to 102yk. Ru. In this example, the inkjet head 102w is an example of a light reflective ink head that discharges light reflective ink. Further, the white ink ejected by the inkjet head 102w is an example of light reflective ink.

Further, in this example, the inkjet heads 102y to 102w eject ultraviolet curable ink, which is ink that hardens in response to irradiation with ultraviolet rays. Each of the plurality of ultraviolet light sources 104 is a means for irradiating ultraviolet light for curing ink, and is disposed on one side and the other side in the main scanning direction with respect to the inkjet heads 102y to 102k and the inkjet head 102w. During the main scanning operation, the ink ejected from each inkjet head is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet light source 104 can also be considered, for example, as a fixing means for fixing ink.

In addition, in a modification of the printing apparatus 10, it is possible to use ink other than ultraviolet curable ink in the inkjet heads 102y to 102k and the inkjet head 102w. In this case, it is preferable that the printing device 10 includes a fixing means depending on the characteristics of the ink.

Further, in this example, the head section 12 may have the same or similar configuration as a head section used in a known inkjet printer that prints two-dimensional images, for example. In this case, a head unit used in a known inkjet printer that prints two-dimensional images does not have a flattening means (for example, a roller, etc.) for flattening an ink layer. This is a configuration including inkjet heads 102y to 102k, an inkjet head 102w, and a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 104. Further, in a modification of the configuration of the head section 12, the head section 12 may further include, for example, flattening means. In this case, as the flattening means, for example, the same or similar configuration as the flattening means used in the head section of a known modeling device (3D printer) that creates three-dimensional objects using an inkjet method is used. There are many possible reasons.

Next, the printed matter obtained by the printing operation on the medium 50 will be explained in more detail. In this case, the printed matter is a printed product created by performing a predetermined printing operation. Further, in this example, the printed matter can be considered as, for example, the medium 50 after printing.

Further, in the following, for convenience of explanation, an example of a printed matter created by a method different from this example (hereinafter referred to as a reference example) will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a reference example of a printed matter.

This reference example can be considered as an example in which the control performed by the control unit 30 (see FIG. 1) in the printing apparatus 10 described using FIG. 1 is different from this example. Also in this case, the printing device 10 forms a raised shape on the medium 50 by ejecting ink onto the medium 50 and forming a plurality of ink layers one on top of the other. In the case of the reference example, by controlling the operations of the inkjet heads 102y to 102k and the inkjet head 102w (see FIG. 1) by the control unit 30, the printing apparatus 10 prints the laminated ink area 300 and color on the medium 50. Form layer 306.

In this case, the laminated ink area 300 is an area on the medium 50 where a plurality of ink layers overlap. The laminated ink area 300 can also be considered, for example, as a raised area that serves as a base for the color layer 306. Further, in the reference example, the laminated ink area 300 has a quaternary color area 302 and a white layer 304.

The quaternary color area 302 is an area formed by four colors of ink (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black inks) ejected by the inkjet heads 102y to 102k. Further, in the reference example, the quaternary color area 302 is an area where multiple ink layers are stacked to form a raised shape on the medium 50. The quaternary color area 302 can also be considered, for example, as an area for creating a shape in the stacking direction (Z shape). Further, the quaternary color area 302 can be considered, for example, as an area where ink layers are stacked up to a specified height H.

The white layer 304 is a region formed on the quaternary color region 302 with white ink ejected by the inkjet head 102w. When forming the white layer 304, the control unit 30 causes the inkjet head 102w to form the white layer 304 so as to cover the upper surface of the quaternary color region 302 by causing the inkjet head 102w to eject white ink. With this configuration, for example, by covering the upper surface of the quaternary color area 302 with the white layer 304, the color of the quaternary color area 302 can be hidden. Further, in this case, the white layer 304 can be considered to function as a background for the color layer 306 formed thereon.

The color layer 306 is an area on which an image is drawn by the inkjet heads 102y to 102k on the laminated ink area 300. When forming the color layer 306, the control unit 30 causes each of the inkjet heads 102y to 102k to eject ink to ejection positions set according to the image to be printed. With this configuration, for example, a color image can be appropriately drawn on the white layer 304. Furthermore, in this case, by forming the color layer 306 on the quaternary color area 302 and the white layer 304, an image raised from the surface of the medium 50 can be drawn. Furthermore, in the reference example, the color layer 306 is also formed on a portion of the medium 50 where the quaternary color area 302 and the color layer 306 are not formed, as necessary. With this configuration, for example, an image with a partially raised portion can be drawn on the medium 50. According to the reference example, for example, an image that is partially or entirely raised can be appropriately drawn on the medium 50.

Furthermore, as in the reference example, when creating a shape in the stacking direction using the quaternary color area 302, by using four colors of ink, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, for example, only one color of ink can be used. The shape in the stacking direction can be created in a shorter time compared to the case where the shape in the stacking direction is created using a laminate. Further, in this case, since it becomes possible to create a shape in the stacking direction at high speed, it also becomes possible, for example, to create a shape in the stacking direction that is higher.

More specifically, in the operation of forming the quaternary color area 302, the control unit 30 stacks a large number of ink layers by causing the inkjet heads 102y to 102k to repeatedly perform a main scanning operation to the same position. and form it. In this case, by forming the quaternary color area 302 using four inkjet heads (inkjet heads 102y to 102k), the time required to stack ink layers to a predetermined height H is reduced to 1. The time can be significantly reduced compared to the case where only two inkjet heads are used. Furthermore, as described above, the inkjet heads 102y to 102k are arranged in parallel in the main scanning direction with their positions aligned in the sub-scanning direction. In this case, the inkjet heads 102y to 102k can appropriately eject ink to the same position in each main scanning operation. As a result, the time required to form the quaternary color area 302 with a predetermined height is, for example, 1/4 of the time required to form the quaternary color area 302 with a predetermined height, compared to the case where a shape in the stacking direction with the same height is created using only one inkjet head 102. It can be shortened to a certain extent. Furthermore, in this case, instead of using a dedicated inkjet head to create the shape in the stacking direction, the quaternary color area 302 is formed using the inkjet heads 102y to 102k, which are required when forming the color layer 306. This can also prevent an increase in the number of inkjet heads included in the printing apparatus 10.

Here, in the reference example, the quaternary color area 302 is formed using four colors of ink: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. In this case, the color of the quaternary color area 302 is considered to be deep black. In this case, the quaternary color area 302 can be considered as an area that is uniformly colored with a mixture of ink colors of multiple colors, for example, unlike an image drawn on the color layer 306. I can do it. In the reference example, as explained above, the color of the quaternary color area 302 is hidden by covering the upper surface of the quaternary color area 302 with the white layer 304. However, errors may occur in the positions at which ink dots are fixed due to various reasons. In this case, the position where the ink dot is fixed is the position where the ink dot formed by the landed ink is fixed. In this case, even if the white layer 304 is formed in the same area as the quaternary color area 302 in terms of design, a positional deviation (print misalignment) may occur between the two.

More specifically, the inventor of the present application has actually confirmed through various experiments that when forming the laminated ink area 300 and the color layer 306 as in the reference example, the outer edge of the quaternary color area 302 In some cases, the quaternary color area 302 could not be sufficiently hidden by the white layer 304 due to a misalignment between the position of the outer edge of the white layer 304 and the position of the outer edge of the white layer 304 . In this case, the color of the quaternary color area 302 becomes noticeable when viewing the image, which may reduce the quality of printing. On the other hand, the inventor of the present application, through further intensive research, discovered that the occurrence of such a problem can be appropriately prevented by creating a printed matter with a configuration different from that of the reference example. The structure of the printed matter created in this example will be explained in detail below.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating in more detail the printed matter created in this example. FIG. 3(a) shows an example of the structure of a printed matter. In addition, except for the points described below, in FIG. 3, the configurations with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 and 2 may have the same or similar features as the configuration in FIG. 2. Further, in FIG. 3 and each of the drawings described below, for convenience of illustration, an example is shown in which the number of ink layers formed on the medium 50 is relatively small. However, during actual printing, it is conceivable to stack more ink layers to match the desired height.

In this example as well, by controlling the operations of the inkjet heads 102y to 102k and the inkjet head 102w (see FIG. 1) by the control unit 30 (see FIG. 1) of the printing device 10, the printing device 10 can print images on the medium 50. , forming a laminated ink region 300 and a color layer 306. However, in this case, the configuration of the laminated ink area 300 is different from that of the reference example shown in FIG.

More specifically, in this example, the printing device 10 forms an ink layer including a plurality of quaternary color regions 302 , a plurality of white layers 304 , and a plurality of color layers 308 as the laminated ink region 300 . In this case, each quaternary color area 302 is an area formed by four colors of ink ejected by the inkjet heads 102y to 102k, similar to the quaternary color area 302 in the reference example. The control unit 30 causes each of the inkjet heads 102y to 102k to eject ink to form a quaternary color area 302 in each of the inkjet heads 102y to 102k using ink of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. . Further, in this example, each of the plurality of quaternary color areas 302 is an example of a colored area in the laminated ink area 300. In this case, the colored area in the laminated ink area 300 is a colored area that is formed by causing at least two of the inkjet heads 102y to 102k to eject ink.

Furthermore, in this example, each quaternary color area 302 is not an area where multiple ink layers are stacked, but is an area made up of one ink layer. In this case, one ink layer can be considered to be, for example, an ink layer formed by performing main scanning operation and sub-scanning operation so that the printing density by one inkjet head is 100% at maximum. I can do it. Print density can be considered, for example, as the density of ink ejected per unit time per unit area. Furthermore, the print density of 100% can be considered, for example, as the print density when ink is ejected once to each ejection position set according to the printing resolution. Further, one ink layer can be considered as an ink layer formed by performing a main scanning operation in the same way as when forming the color layer 306, for example. In this case, regarding performing the main scanning operation in the same way as when forming the color layer 306, consider, for example, that the number of main scanning operations performed on the same position will be the same as when forming the color layer 306. You can also do that. Further, one ink layer can be considered to be, for example, an ink layer formed by performing main scanning operations for the number of passes specified as printing operation settings. Further, when forming each of the quaternary color areas 302 in this example, the control unit 30 causes each of the inkjet heads 102y to 102k to eject ink at the same printing density. More specifically, when forming each of the quaternary color areas 302, the control unit 30 causes each of the inkjet heads 102y to 102k to eject ink at a print density of 100%.

Further, in this example, the thickness of one quaternary color area 302 is considered to be, for example, about 100 μm. For example, as shown in the figure, the plurality of quaternary color regions 302 overlap with a white layer 304 and a color layer 306 interposed therebetween. Further, this configuration is an example of a configuration in which the quaternary color regions 302 overlap with at least the white layer 304 in between. Further, in a modification of the structure of the laminated ink region 300, it is also possible to form a plurality of ink layers as each of the quaternary color regions 302 that overlap with the white layer 304 in between.

Each of the plurality of white layers 304 is a region formed with white ink ejected by the inkjet head 102w, similarly to the white layer 304 in the reference example. The control unit 30 causes the printing device 10 to form a white layer 304 using white ink by causing the inkjet head 102w to eject ink. Further, in this example, each of the plurality of white layers 304 is an example of a light reflective region, and is formed on each of the plurality of quaternary color regions 302. In this example, the printing apparatus 10 also forms one ink layer for each white layer 304 formed between the quaternary color areas 302 .

Each of the plurality of color layers 308 is a region colored in a color matching the image drawn on the color layer 306, and is formed with ink of each color ejected by the inkjet heads 102y to 102k. The control unit 30 causes the printing device 10 to form a color layer 308 using ink of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black by causing each of the inkjet heads 102y to 102k to eject ink. In this case, the image is colored with a color that matches the image, for example, rather than being colored uniformly with a predetermined color as in the quaternary color area 302, when the image is visually recognized in the color layer 306. It is colored with a color that is recognized as a related color. More specifically, as each color layer 308, for example, an ink layer showing the same image as the color layer 306 may be formed.

Further, in this example, each of the plurality of color layers 308 is an example of a colored region in the laminated ink region 300 and is formed on at least a portion of the white layer 304 in the laminated ink region 300. More specifically, as shown in the figure, in this example, a color layer 306 is formed on the laminated ink region 300. In this case, if the color layer 308 is also formed at the top of the laminated ink region 300, the layer immediately below the color layer 306 will become the color layer 308 instead of the white layer 304. Therefore, in this example, the color layer 308 is formed on layers other than the topmost white layer 304 among the plurality of white layers 304 in the laminated ink region 300.

The color layer 306, like the color layer 306 in the reference example, is an area on the laminated ink area 300 where an image is drawn by the inkjet heads 102y to 102k. In this example, color layer 306 is an example of an image area. The control unit 30 causes the printing device 10 to form a color layer 306 using ink of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black by causing each of the inkjet heads 102y to 102k to eject ink. Also in this example, by forming the color layer 306 on the laminated ink area 300, an image raised from the surface of the medium 50 can be drawn.

Also in this example, in the operation of forming the laminated ink area 300, a plurality of inkjet heads (inkjet heads 102y to 102k) are used when forming the quaternary color area 302 that constitutes a part of the laminated ink area 300. For example, similarly to the reference example described above, the time required to form the laminated ink region 300 can be appropriately shortened. Additionally, in this case, if we focus on the height (thickness) of the ink layer that can be deposited in the same amount of time when forming the quaternary color area 302, we believe that the height (thickness) of the ink layer will be about four times that of the case where only one inkjet head is used. be able to. Therefore, according to this example, it can be considered that, for example, the height of the laminated ink region 300 that can be formed within a predetermined printing time becomes higher. More specifically, for example, the maximum height of overlapping ink layers in the printing apparatus 10 of this example may be set to about 2.0 mm or more (for example, about 1.5 to 2.5 mm). It will be done.

Furthermore, when focusing on shortening the time required to form the quaternary color area 302 and considering the characteristics necessary for that purpose in a more general manner, the characteristics of this example are, for example, among the inkjet heads 102y to 102k. It can also be considered that the quaternary color area 302 is formed using at least two of the above. In this case, in each main scanning operation performed to form the quaternary color area 302, the control unit 30 causes at least two of the inkjet heads 102y to 102k to eject ink, so that one main scanning operation is performed. The total amount of ink ejected by the operation is set to be larger than when performing the main scanning operation using only one inkjet head. With this configuration, for example, the time required to form the laminated ink region 300 can be appropriately shortened. Furthermore, in this case, as explained above using FIG. 1, it is considered preferable to form the quaternary color area 302 with a plurality of inkjet heads aligned in the main scanning direction and aligned in the sub-scanning direction. You can also do it. Furthermore, in this example, by forming the quaternary color area 302 with the inkjet heads 102y to 102k, it is also possible to prevent, for example, an increase in the number of inkjet heads included in the printing apparatus 10.

Further, in this example, for example, by forming a plurality of quaternary color regions 302 with a white layer 304 and a color layer 308 sandwiched between them, the quaternary color regions 302 can be more appropriately defined by the white layer 304 and the like. Can be covered. Moreover, this can appropriately prevent the influence of the color of the quaternary color area 302 from occurring when viewing the image in the color layer 306, for example.

Regarding this point, for example, when forming the laminated ink area 300 with a high height, if the quaternary color area 302 is formed with a large number of ink layers as in the reference example explained above, the problem of misalignment may occur. This is thought to be more likely to occur. More specifically, when a plurality of ink layers are stacked and formed using an inkjet head, for example, the outer edge of the ink layer tends to have a raised shape compared to other parts. In particular, when a large amount of ink is ejected using multiple inkjet heads, such as when forming the quaternary color area 302, such a raised shape is formed due to the influence of surface tension due to the characteristics of the ink. become more susceptible to Further, as a result, the shape of the side surface of the quaternary color area 302 may become tapered. In this case, if the rise is significant, it may cause misregistration.

In contrast, in this example, each time a quaternary color area 302 forming part of the laminated ink area 300 is formed, a white layer 304 is formed thereon. With this configuration, for example, the upper surface of the quaternary color region 302 can be appropriately covered with the white layer 304 before noticeable swelling occurs at the outer edge of the quaternary color region 302. In addition, in this case, by forming the white layer 304 on the quaternary color area 302 using less ink than when forming the quaternary color area 302, the ink layer on the topmost surface at that time, It can be made different from immediately after forming the quaternary color area 302. Furthermore, this makes it possible to make misregistration less likely to occur, compared to, for example, the case where the quaternary color area 302 is formed using a large number of ink layers. Therefore, according to this example, even when forming a highly laminated ink area 300 including many quaternary color areas 302, for example, it is possible to prevent misregistration and the like from occurring. Further, this makes it possible to more appropriately prevent the time required for the printing operation from increasing when, for example, a raised shape is formed on the medium 50 by stacking a plurality of ink layers. . Further, in this example, by further forming a color layer 308 on the white layer 304 between the quaternary color regions 302, for example, the influence of the color of the quaternary color region 302 is reduced when viewing an image in the color layer 306. This can be better prevented from occurring.

Furthermore, as explained above, in the head unit 12 of this example (see FIG. 1), the inkjet head 102w is located adjacent to the inkjet heads 102y to 102yk in the sub-scanning direction. The positions in the sub-scanning direction are shifted so that the positions in the sub-scanning direction do not overlap. Such a configuration can also be considered as a configuration suitable for, for example, the case where the quaternary color area 302 and the white layer 304 are formed in an overlapping manner as in this example.

More specifically, in this example, the control unit 30 controls the main scanning drive unit 16 and the sub-scanning drive unit 18 (see FIG. 1) so that the main scanning operation is repeatedly performed with a sub-scanning operation in between. Control. In this case, the inkjet heads 102yk and the inkjet head 102w are caused to perform a sub-scanning operation so that the inkjet head 102w performs the main scanning operation after the inkjet heads 102yk performs the main scanning operation. With this configuration, for example, a main scanning operation and a sub-scanning operation to form the quaternary color area 302 are performed for each position where the quaternary color area 302 and the white layer 304 are to be formed in an overlapping manner. In operation, the formation of the white layer 304 can also be suitably performed. Further, thereby, for example, the laminated ink region 300 having the quaternary color region 302 and the white layer 304 can be appropriately formed. Furthermore, in this case, focusing on the operation of the control unit 30, the control unit 30 controls a plurality of quaternary color regions 302 and a plurality of white color regions so that the quaternary color regions 302 overlap with at least the white layer 304 in between. Layer 304 is formed on inkjet heads 102y-k and inkjet head 102w.

In addition, in order to reduce the effect of the outer edge of the ink layer rising, for example, as shown in FIG. It is also conceivable to make the range in which the layer is formed smaller than the range in which the lower ink layer is formed. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a modified example of a printed matter created using the printing apparatus 10, and shows an example of the structure of the ink layer formed on the medium 50.

When forming the laminated ink area 300 in this modification, the control unit 30 controls the area in which at least some of the plurality of ink layers constituting the laminated ink area 300 to be formed, so that the lower ink layer is Set it so that it is smaller than the formed range. With this configuration, for example, the positions of the outer edges of the respective ink layers are shifted and the raised portions no longer overlap, so that the influence of the raised outer edges of the ink layers can be reduced. Further, in this case, for example, by shifting the positions of the outer edges of each ink layer, it is possible to improve the texture of the side surface portions.

More specifically, in this modification, as shown in the figure, among the plurality of quaternary color regions 302 in the laminated ink region 300, the upper part of the range forming the quaternary color region 302 is described. , is narrower than the other quaternary color area 302 on the lower side. Furthermore, the range in which the white layer 304, color layer 308, and color layer 306 are formed on each of the quaternary color regions 302 is the same as the range in which each of the quaternary color regions 302 is formed. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately create a printed matter in which the range in which some quaternary color areas 302 are formed is different from other quaternary color areas 302.

Further, in this case, the images drawn on the color layer 306 and the color layer 308 may be adjusted as appropriate depending on the range in which each layer is formed. More specifically, as explained above, each color layer 308 included in the laminated ink area 300 is, for example, an ink layer showing the same image as the color layer 306 formed on the laminated ink area 300. It is conceivable to form a layer. In this case, for the color layer 306 and the color layer 308 having different ranges, it is conceivable that the images included in the same range (common range) are the same. With this configuration, the color layer 308 can be appropriately formed between the quaternary color regions 302, for example, when the range in which some quaternary color regions 302 are formed is different from the other quaternary color regions 302. can do.

Further, as a configuration in which the range in which some quaternary color areas 302 are formed is different from other quaternary color areas 302, for example, a configuration in which the laminated ink area 300 is formed so that the edges are stepped, etc. You can also think. In this case, the edge becomes step-like, for example, the position of the outer edge of each ink layer constituting the laminated ink region 300 gradually changes inward from the lower layer to the upper layer. It is to let In this case, for example, it is conceivable to change the position of the outer edge every time a predetermined number of ink layers are formed.

Further, in a further modification of the printed matter, it is conceivable that the color layer 308 is not formed between the quaternary color areas 302. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a further modified example of the printed matter. Except as described below, components in FIG. 4 that are given the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 3 may have the same or similar features as the components in FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 4(a) shows the structure of the ink layer formed on the medium 50 in this modification. Also in this modification, the printing apparatus 10 forms the laminated ink area 300 and the color layer 306 on the medium 50. Further, as the laminated ink region 300, an ink layer including a plurality of quaternary color regions 302 and a plurality of white layers 304 is formed. The configuration of the laminated ink area 300 in this modification can be considered to be, for example, a configuration in which the color layer 308 (see FIG. 3) is removed from the laminated ink area 300 in the configuration shown in FIG. 3(a).

Also in this modification, by forming the laminated ink area 300 including a plurality of quaternary color areas 302, the time required to form the laminated ink area 300 can be appropriately shortened. In this case, for example, instead of forming the quaternary color area 302 with a large number of layers of ink, each time a quaternary color area 302 constituting a part of the laminated ink area 300 is formed, a white layer is applied on top of it. By forming the layer 304, misregistration can be made less likely to occur than when the quaternary color area 302 is formed using multiple ink layers. Therefore, in this modification as well, for example, when a raised shape is formed on the medium 50 by stacking a plurality of layers of ink, an increase in the time required for the printing operation can be more appropriately prevented. be able to.

Furthermore, even when the color layer 308 is not formed between the quaternary color areas 302, as shown in FIG. The area in which the layer is formed may be smaller than the area in which the lower ink layer is formed. FIG. 4(b) shows the configuration of the ink layer formed on the medium 50 in a further variation of the printed matter.

The laminated ink area 300 in this modification can be considered to have a configuration in which the color layer 308 is removed from the laminated ink area 300 in the configuration shown in FIG. 3(b), for example. Furthermore, in this case, the color layer 306 formed on the laminated ink area 300 has a wider range than the quaternary color area 302 (the uppermost quaternary color area 302) formed at the top in the laminated ink area 300. It is conceivable that the formation of Further, in this case, the color layer 306 can be considered to be formed so as to cover areas other than the uppermost quaternary color region 302 and the white layer 304. More specifically, in this case, the color layer 306 is formed in the same area as the quaternary color area 302 (for example, the lowest quaternary color area 302) formed in the widest area in the laminated ink area 300. It is possible to form a

In this case, for example, as shown by the broken line in the figure, the inkjet heads 102y to 102k (see FIG. Ink ejected from (see) can be attached. Expanding the area in which the color layer 306 is formed will be explained in more detail later. Further, depending on the quality required for printing, the range in which the color layer 306 is formed may be the same as the range in which the uppermost quaternary color area 302 is formed.

Next, the range in which the color layer 306 is formed will be explained in more detail. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the range in which the color layer 306 is formed, and shows the case where the laminated ink area 300 is formed by overlapping the quaternary color areas 302 with only the quaternary color area 302 in between. An example of the range in which the color layer 306 is formed on the ink region 300 is shown. In addition, except for the points described below, in FIG. 5, structures with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 4 may have the same or similar features as the structures in FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 5(a) shows the configuration of the ink layer formed on the medium 50 in a further variation of the printed matter. FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of a range in which an ink layer is formed when forming the laminated ink area 300 and the color layer 306, and as shown in FIG. An example of the range in which an ink layer is formed is shown below. In this case, the range in which the ink layer is formed can be considered, for example, to be the range in which ink is ejected by an inkjet head used to form the ink layer. Further, in FIG. 5B, for example, a plurality of quaternary color regions 302 and a plurality of white layers 304 constituting the laminated ink region 300 are individually shown, and for the color layer 306, the quaternary color regions 302 and It can also be considered as a diagram showing a portion where ink is ejected to a position other than the white layer 304.

In this modification, the laminated ink region 300 is formed so that the edges are stepped, as shown in FIG. 5(a). In this case, the range in which each of the plurality of quaternary color regions 302 in the laminated ink region 300 is formed may be set so that it becomes narrower toward the top in the lamination direction, as shown in FIG. 5(b). It will be done. Furthermore, the range in which each of the plurality of white layers 304 in the laminated ink region 300 is formed may be set to be the same as the range in which the quaternary color region 302 immediately below is formed.

On the other hand, as explained above in connection with the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the color layer 306 may be formed to cover areas other than the uppermost quaternary color area 302 and white layer 304. Conceivable. In this case, the range in which the ink layer corresponding to the color layer 306 is formed is as shown in FIG. wider than the range. More specifically, in this modification, the range in which the ink layer corresponding to the color layer 306 is formed is the range in which the lowest quaternary color area 302, which is the widest quaternary color area 302, is formed. It's the same.

With this configuration, for example, as shown by the broken line in FIG. Ink ejected from (see FIG. 1) can be attached. Moreover, this appropriately prevents, for example, the color of the white layer 304 from being excessively noticeable around the color layer 306, and enables high-quality printing to be performed more appropriately.

In a further modified example of the printed matter, for example, the uppermost white layer 304 (the white layer 304 immediately below the color layer 306) in the laminated ink region 300 is formed in a wide range similar to the color layer 306. It is possible to make it a range. With this configuration, for example, white ink can be attached to the side surfaces of the plurality of quaternary color regions 302 in the laminated ink region 300. Furthermore, this allows, for example, the color of the quaternary color area 302 to be hidden more appropriately.

Next, supplementary explanations regarding each of the configurations explained above will be given. In FIGS. 2 to 5, for convenience of illustration, the laminated ink area 300 has a flat top surface. However, it is also conceivable that the laminated ink region 300 be formed in a shape that varies in height depending on the position, as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the shape of the laminated ink region 300 in more detail. FIG. 6A shows an example of a printed matter including a laminated ink region 300 having a shape that varies in height depending on the position when a white layer 304 and a color layer 308 are formed between the quaternary color regions 302. FIG. 6(b) shows an example of a printed matter including laminated ink regions 300 having shapes that vary in height depending on the position, in the case where only the white layer 304 is formed between the quaternary color regions 302.

In these cases, the laminated ink area 300 can be considered as an area whose height varies depending on the position of the medium 50, for example. Further, the laminated ink region 300 can also be considered as, for example, an area raised in an uneven manner. Even when forming such a laminated ink area 300, by forming a white layer 304 or the like between the quaternary color areas 302, misregistration can be made less likely to occur.

Further, in this case, the range in which the color layer 306 is formed may be appropriately set depending on whether or not the color layer 308 is formed between the quaternary color areas 302. More specifically, when forming the white layer 304 and the color layer 308 between the quaternary color areas 302, for example, as shown in FIG. The formed quaternary color area 302 is considered to be the uppermost quaternary color area 302, and a white layer 304 and a color layer 308 are formed on the quaternary color area 302 other than the uppermost one. It is conceivable that a white layer 304 and a color layer 306 are formed over the color region 302 .

On the other hand, when only the white layer 304 is formed between the quaternary color regions 302, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the uppermost quaternary color is It is conceivable to consider the region 302 and form a white layer 304 and a color layer 306 thereon. In this case, for example, as explained above with reference to FIG. By making them the same, it is possible to form the color layer 306 on top of the uppermost quaternary color area 302 at each position.

Further, in the above description, the case where the quaternary color area 302 is mainly formed using four color inks of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black has been described. In this case, the inkjet heads 102y to 102k can be considered as an example of at least two inkjet heads used for forming the color layer 306, for example. Furthermore, in a modification of the method of forming the quaternary color area 302, the quaternary color area 302 may be formed using ink other than these four colors. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to further use white ink to form the quaternary color area 302. Furthermore, as explained above, when forming the quaternary color area 302, it is not necessary to use inks of all four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, but only some of the colors. Ink alone may be used. Also in this case, by forming the quaternary color area 302 using inks of two or more colors, for example, the laminated ink area 300 can be appropriately formed in a short time.

The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a printing device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Printing device, 12... Head part, 14... Stand part, 16... Main scanning drive part, 18... Sub-scanning drive part, 20... Lamination direction drive part, 30... . . . Control unit, 50 . . . Medium, 102 . . . Inkjet head, 104 . . . Ultraviolet light source, 300 . ...Color layer, 308...Color layer

Claims (7)

A printing device that prints on a medium using an inkjet method,
a plurality of color ink heads, each of which is a plurality of inkjet heads that eject mutually different colored inks;
a light-reflective ink head that is an inkjet head that ejects light-reflective ink;
a control unit that controls operations of the plurality of color ink heads and the light reflective ink head;
The control unit includes, on the medium,
a laminated ink area formed by stacking multiple ink layers;
forming an image area, which is an area where an image is drawn by the plurality of color ink heads, on the laminated ink area in the plurality of color ink heads and the light reflective ink head;
The laminated ink area is
a colored area that is a colored area formed by causing at least two inkjet heads of the plurality of color ink heads to eject ink;
each region including a plurality of light reflective regions that are regions formed on the colored region using the light reflective ink;
In the laminated ink area, the light reflective area is formed on the colored area formed on the top, and the colored area formed on the top is formed on the colored area formed on the top. below the region, formed above the light reflective region different from the light reflective region formed at the top,
The control unit controls the plurality of colored regions and the plurality of light reflection regions to be connected to the plurality of color ink heads and the light reflection ink head so that the colored regions overlap with at least the light reflection region therebetween. formed on the head,
At the time of forming the laminated ink area, the control unit controls the area in which at least some of the plurality of ink layers constituting the laminated ink area to be formed, such that a raised portion of the outer edge of the ink layer is formed. Set it so that it is smaller than the area where the underlying ink layer is formed, so that it does not overlap .
A printing apparatus characterized in that the image area is formed in a wider range than the colored area formed at the top of the laminated ink area. The control unit controls a coloring area, which is an area colored in a color matching an image drawn in the image area, on at least a part of the light reflection area in the laminated ink area, using the plurality of color inks. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is formed on a printing head. As the plurality of color ink heads,
An inkjet head that ejects yellow ink,
An inkjet head that ejects magenta ink,
An inkjet head that ejects cyan ink,
Equipped with an inkjet head that ejects black ink,
2. When forming the colored area, the control unit causes at least four inkjet heads each of which ejects ink of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black to eject ink. Or the printing device according to 2. further comprising a main scanning drive unit that causes the plurality of color ink heads and the light reflective ink head to perform a main scanning operation of ejecting ink while moving relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction. Prepare,
1 . The at least two inkjet heads used for forming the colored area are aligned in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main-scanning direction and are arranged side by side in the main-scanning direction. 3. The printing device according to any one of 3 to 3. further comprising a sub-scanning drive unit that causes the plurality of color ink heads and the light reflective ink head to perform a sub-scanning operation of moving relative to the medium in the sub-scanning direction,
The light-reflecting ink head is disposed at a position shifted in the sub-scanning direction from the at least two inkjet heads used for forming the colored area,
The control unit controls the main scanning drive unit and the sub-scanning drive unit so that the main scanning operation is repeatedly performed with the sub-scanning operation in between, so that at least the light reflecting area is controlled in between. 5. A plurality of said colored regions and a plurality of said light reflection regions are formed in said plurality of color ink heads and said light reflection ink head so that said colored regions overlap with each other. Printing device as described. In the main scanning operation performed to form the colored area, the control unit causes at least two inkjet heads of the plurality of color ink heads to eject ink, thereby performing one main scanning operation. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the total amount of ink ejected by the operation is larger than when the main scanning operation is performed using only one inkjet head. A printing method that prints on a medium using an inkjet method,
a plurality of color ink heads, each of which is a plurality of inkjet heads that eject mutually different colored inks;
Using a light reflective ink head, which is an inkjet head that ejects light reflective ink,
By controlling the operations of the plurality of color ink heads and the light reflective ink head, on the medium,
a laminated ink area formed by stacking multiple ink layers;
forming an image area, which is an area where an image is drawn by the plurality of color ink heads, on the laminated ink area in the plurality of color ink heads and the light reflective ink head;
The laminated ink area is
a colored area that is a colored area formed by causing at least two inkjet heads of the plurality of color ink heads to eject ink;
each region including a plurality of light reflective regions that are regions formed on the colored region using the light reflective ink;
In the laminated ink area, the light reflective area is formed on the colored area formed on the top, and the colored area formed on the top is formed on the colored area formed on the top. Formed below the region and above the light reflective region different from the light reflective region formed at the top,
forming a plurality of the colored regions and a plurality of the light reflection regions in the plurality of color ink heads and the light reflection ink head so that the colored regions overlap with at least the light reflection region therebetween;
When forming the laminated ink area, in a range in which at least some of the plurality of ink layers constituting the laminated ink area are formed, so that the raised portions of the outer edges of the ink layers do not overlap; Set it so that it is smaller than the area where the bottom ink layer is formed,
A printing method characterized in that the image area is formed in a wider range than the colored area formed at the top of the laminated ink area.

Images